According to a recent survey by the non-profit Oldways Whole Grains Council (WGC), nearly two-thirds of Americans say they are heeding the Dietary Guidelines advice to “make at least half your grains whole.” In fact, 64% of Americans have increased their whole grain consumption “some” or “a lot” in the last five years.
“For years, most people came nowhere close to whole grain recommendations, so it is encouraging to see that many are now benefiting from switching more of the grains they eat to whole grains,” said Cynthia Harriman, director of food and nutrition strategies, Oldways Whole Grains Council. “The next step is tempting Americans to expand their whole grain palates beyond bread, cereal, and brown rice to delicious grains like spelt, farro, amaranth, and teff.”
The survey found that almost one-third of respondents (31%) say they nearly always choose whole grains. Five years ago, just 4% would have said this. Additionally, another 32% choose whole grains about half the time. Breakfast remains the biggest eating occasion for whole grains, followed by dinner and then lunch. On average, 37% of daily whole grains are consumed at breakfast, 27% at dinner, 22% at lunch, and just 14% as snacks.
The survey shows that the messaging surrounding the health benefits of whole grains is having an impact. Nearly nine out of 10 (86%) of those who consume whole grains do so for the health benefits. However, cost was named as the leading barrier to eating more whole grains (39%), followed by availability (28%), since some restaurants may not offer whole grain choices.
